Recent Comments

Archives

Categories

Meta

HOW WILL THE NEW SUPREME COURT DECISIONS AFFECT YOU

The Supreme Court killed the Defense of Marriage Act on June 26, 2013, and federal agencies are issuing new rules and procedures to grant LGBTQ couples spousal rights.

Attorneys Cynthia L. Barrett and Tabitha Lundberg Koh invite you to attend these free sessions exploring how the expansion of federal rights to LGBTQ couples will affect you. The Federal Government’s dismantling of DOMA will take time – and the attorneys are following developments day by day. Cindy and Tabitha have reserved the Hollywood Library back room for these sessions open to their clients and friends of the office.

There is no charge and you are welcome to bring a friend.

Topics to be Discussed Include:

*Couples and “Marriage Somewhere”: The federal rights will flow to COUPLES who are “lawfully married” in one of the growing number of states, and Canada, where marriage is legal. What does this mean in Oregon? Will a “marriage somewhere” help you- does it make sense for you and your partner?

*Single Widows and Widowers: Some federal rights flow to widows and widowers – if your partner died in the last few years, can you claim benefits now (Social Security or pensions or military) as a survivor?

*Federal Employees and Retirees: A two-year application “open period” has just been announced, ending June 26, 2015 – what does that mean for you?

*Tax Returns: Who should consider amending federal tax returns? When will more guidance come down from the IRS?

*Social Security: Bring your Social Security Statement (available at ssa.gov) for answers to questions such as:

Should the younger partner claim the 50% spousal benefit on the older partner’s Social Security record before age 66?
Should the age 66+ partner claim and then suspend, to permit the 8% growth in benefits until age 70? Should a survivor age 60+ apply for benefits NOW?
Questions? Contact Cynthia Barrett’s office at (503) 294-0080